Certified Medical Assistant (AAMA) Exam Study Guide

200 multiple-choice questions.

160 minutes.

A scaled score of 405.

It uses a scaled score; the passing threshold is 405, which is not the same as a raw count of correct answers.

Every item is multiple-choice — there are 200 of them, so you should practice recognizing the single best answer rather than free-response.

The answering portion is 160 minutes, which is about 2 hours and 40 minutes.

Aim to finish a first pass in under the full 160 minutes — for example, target ~40 seconds per question to leave a buffer for flagged items across all 200 questions.

No — the exam is composed entirely of multiple-choice questions (200 total).

200 questions, 160 minutes, and a passing score of 405.

Yes — halfway through the 200 questions at 80 of 160 minutes is exactly on the average pace.

160 minutes, which is 20 minutes short of a full 3 hours (180 minutes).

Your performance is converted to a standardized scale, and 405 is the minimum on that scale needed to pass.

Because the real exam is 200 questions in 160 minutes, full-length timed practice builds the stamina and pacing you'll need to finish within the limit.

The three primary sites are the median cubital vein (most commonly used—located between biceps and triceps), cephalic vein (lateral forearm), and basilic vein (medial forearm). The median cubital is preferred because it's prominent, accessible, and has minimal nerve/artery proximity.

Draw blood cultures first (aerobic, then anaerobic) before other tubes. Then follow the standard order: SST (serum separator), lithium heparin (green-top), EDTA (purple-top/lavender), and potassium oxalate/sodium fluoride (gray-top). This minimizes cross-contamination of additives.

Normal oral temperature is approximately 37°C (98.6°F), with a normal range of 36.1-37.2°C (97-99°F). Temperature naturally varies by time of day, with lowest readings in early morning and highest in late afternoon/evening.

Place the thermometer in the axilla (armpit) with the patient's arm crossed over the chest for 5–10 minutes, keeping the thermometer in contact with skin. Axillary temperatures run approximately 0.5–1°C lower than oral temperatures and are least accurate but safe for all patients.

Hyper- means excessive or above normal. Examples: hypertension (elevated blood pressure), hyperglycemia (elevated blood glucose), and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland).

'-Penia' means abnormally low count or deficiency. Examples: leukopenia (low white blood cells), thrombocytopenia (low platelets), and anemia (low red blood cells or hemoglobin).

A sign is an objective finding observed or measured by the healthcare provider (e.g., fever, rash, elevated BP). A symptom is a subjective experience reported by the patient (e.g., pain, nausea, dizziness) that cannot be directly measured.

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) requires that all PHI be kept confidential and secure. Patient information may only be used for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations unless explicit written authorization is obtained. Unauthorized disclosure carries civil and criminal penalties.

Informed consent is the patient's voluntary agreement to a procedure or treatment after being told the risks, benefits, and alternatives in understandable language. It ensures the patient's autonomy and protects both patient and provider legally. The patient must be competent, the consent must be voluntary, and disclosure must be adequate.

The medical record must include chief complaint, history of present illness, past medical history, medications, allergies, vital signs, physical exam findings, assessment, and plan (SOAP format). The provider who sees the patient is responsible for documentation; it must be accurate, timely, legible, and signed.

CMAs may perform clinical tasks (vital signs, phlebotomy, EKGs, patient education) and administrative tasks (scheduling, insurance verification, medical records) under physician supervision. CMAs cannot diagnose, prescribe medications, perform independent surgical procedures, or perform advanced nursing interventions without additional credentials.

CMAs are mandatory reporters and must report suspected child abuse, elder abuse, or dependent adult abuse to local authorities or child protective services as required by law. This duty to report overrides patient confidentiality in cases of abuse.

IM injections are given at a 90-degree angle into muscle tissue, penetrating deeper (typically 1–1.5 inches) and absorbing quickly; used for most vaccines and antibiotics. SC injections are given at a 45-degree angle into fatty subcutaneous tissue (typically 0.5 inches) and absorb more slowly; used for insulin and some biologics.

The deltoid (arm), ventrogluteal (hip), dorsogluteal (upper buttock), and vastus lateralis (outer thigh) are standard IM sites. These areas have large muscle mass with minimal risk of hitting major nerves or blood vessels. The ventrogluteal is preferred for most adults due to safety.

Do not force or threaten the patient. Document the refusal clearly in the medical record, including the date, time, what was refused, and the patient's reason if given. Notify the physician immediately so they can discuss alternatives or obtain informed refusal documentation.

A complete claim includes patient demographics, insurance information, provider NPI number, diagnosis codes (ICD-10), procedure codes (CPT), date of service, charges, and physician signature. Missing or incorrect information delays processing or results in denial.

The EHR documents patient care, facilitates continuity of treatment, and serves as a legal record. Only staff with a legitimate need (treatment, payment, operations) and proper credentials may access records. Unauthorized access is a HIPAA violation and can result in termination and legal action.

Immediately wash the area with soap and water (wounds) or flush with saline (mucous membranes). Report to occupational health or the ED without delay. Document the exposure incident, source patient testing (if possible), and baseline testing of the exposed employee. Start prophylaxis if indicated.

BID means twice daily. A CMA should explain this clearly as 'two times per day, approximately 12 hours apart,' and provide examples (e.g., morning and evening). Using abbreviations directly with patients can cause confusion; always use plain language.

The patient should lie supine on the exam table with legs uncrossed and arms relaxed at their sides (not touching the body). Expose the chest and ensure skin contact with the electrodes. The patient must remain still and quiet during the recording to minimize artifact.

Artifact can be caused by patient movement, muscle tremors, loose electrodes, or electrical interference. To minimize artifact: instruct the patient to relax and stay still, ensure proper skin preparation and electrode contact, avoid placing leads near electrical equipment, and verify lead placement is correct.